Companion(2025)(Review) - Gruesome Gazette

Love is a funny thing. It can simultaneously give you life, and also fill you with dread. Writer Drew Hancock has presented us with his first directorial feature which revolves around the twisted ideas of love, fantasy, desire, and obedience all within a heady sci-fi film.

Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is a typical bright-eyed woman. She has a boyfriend named Josh (Jack Quaid) that she loves with all her heart. She has sentimental memories, a light-hearted nature, and will essentially do anything to make Josh happy. But when they go on a getaway together to a remote cabin in the woods to hang out with some of Josh’s friends, things go awry rather quickly. Before we know it, we are knee deep in a treacherous story of murder, revelations, and betrayal. And I’m purposely leaving this vague because I really don’t want to spoil any of the fun this film has planned for you.

This movie emotionally destroyed me. While combing through the weeds of a story that unravels layers upon layers, the story at the forefront is basically about how Josh is a controlling, narcissistic prick who doesn’t care nearly as deeply for Iris as she does for him. It’s a story about co-dependence, separation, and learning how to not care. The film itself is elevated by it’s colorful cast of fleshed out characters, it’s beautifully charming location within a lakeside cabin, and it’s labyrinth of twists that appear without warning.

The humor is smartly placed to keep the pace going during the moderate lulls. The violence is limited due to our smaller cast, but when it hits it really hits – especially the crimson colors as it gets draped upon stained wood, pink blouses, and the dark green forest that surrounds the house. The production is absolutely beautiful. And the tension, mystery, and suspense is wonderfully crafted. It’s not a scary film by any means, leaning more towards a sci-fi drama, but it still fits right into the genre space. It was also produced by Zach Cregger and Roy Lee of ‘Barbarian’ fame – and it’s safe to say, the vibes are consistent with each other.

This film will 100% be in my top 10 at the end of the year, and I honestly can’t wait to watch it again. It hit me in the hardest of ways at just the right time, providing me with courage, strength, and a newfound crush on Sophie Thatcher.

5/5
“Companion” is currently streaming in theaters and available to rent/buy on VOD outlets.

‘Til Next Time,
Mike Cleopatra